Strychnine (Noun)
Meaning
An alkaloid plant toxin extracted chiefly from nux vomica; formerly used as a stimulant.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The old apothecary cabinet in the back of the shop still contained vials of strychnine, a relic of a bygone era when pharmacists touted its use as a stimulant.
- The detectives discovered a small bottle of strychnine hidden among the suspect's belongings, leading them to believe it was a premeditated murder.
- Nux vomica seeds have been employed for centuries as a source of strychnine, a potent toxin with a complex history of medicinal and deadly uses.
- The forensic team had to carefully analyze the victim's tissues to confirm the presence of strychnine, which was suspected to have caused their untimely death.
- Although strychnine was once a staple in pharmacies, its high toxicity and notorious history of misuse have led to its downfall as a therapeutic agent and its reclassification as a controlled substance.